Is Something Keeping You Down?

Have you ever felt like a certain location or situation was keeping you down, and not allowing you to fully reach your goals? As part of our Make it Happen Monday series I wanted to dive into this subject and talk about this widely discussed notion.

I come from a prairie town in Canada called Saskatoon, which is a booming city with somewhere around 200,000 people. Growing up it provided me with a lot of great opportunities and it wasn’t until completing University that my mind drifted to thoughts of getting out of there. I can’t honestly explain what changed. The weather and climate definitely played a huge part in it for me, but seeing as it is the location where all of my (and my Wife’s) family is located there must be more too it, right?

We’re going back for a visit later this month, and it will be my first time there in two years. I do not mean to disrespect this place where I grew up, but I have absolutely no desire to ever go back there….other than seeing my Family (which I’d prefer to do somewhere else).

I really have no reason to think this way, but I seem to associate my hometown with a place that I’m embarrassed about. It’s a place where (in my own head) opportunities do not readily exist, and I was not able to be opened up to what my heart desired. I was never one of those people who said “I need to get out of this town”….but I’m glad I did.

When we moved to the Caribbean, my world was opened up to something I never would have dreamed. I saw and did amazing things and it was my year’s in St. Kitts that showed me there was a whole other World out there. Our time here in Austin, Texas has provided me with interactions and opportunities that could not have happened anywhere else. Being in this location has brought with it many things that could not have happened anywhere else. Our Family is on the move once again, and I know this new location will once again provide something incredible and spectacular.

But please, don’t get me wrong. Big things can definitely happen no matter where you are located. Ultimately it is up to ourselves to Make it Happen….but what I’m saying is that there are situations where a re-location is necessary. Sometimes it’s because of who you are. Sometimes it’s because of who you want to be.

I’m talking about life here, but when it comes to cycling many of the same things apply. A location, group of friends, or anything else in your life can create something that sparks you….or something that holds you down from achieving what’s inside. Conditions, influences, and infrastructure are all things that can help make you a better cyclist.

What I’m really trying to say is that we all need to continuously assess ourselves, our life, and where we’re going. If something is holding you back from where you need to be….change it. Otherwise dream big and make things happen right there where you are.

Maybe it’s something you don’t even know is happening, but with a clear mind and calm soul you can look within and see where you need to be.

11 Responses to “ Is Something Keeping You Down? ”

Hi Riaan, I’ve been keeping a pretty low profile on things but laying down some minor hints here and there. As of the end of this month we’ll be moving around quite a bit and then settling down in a new location in November. I’ll post more about it all soon.

I LOVE this…all of this! You have an amazing spirit, and are meant to see the world…you are meant to show the world to your children. You and I both seem to be most at ease (clear minds, clams souls) while traveling. Exploring. Growing. Living Simply.

I don’t think it has as much to do with Saskatoon as a city (other than the weather), as it does for your need to be somewhere you can grow, and you did all the growing you could back home…you (we) needed to move on.
Anyway, I know what I have to say has nothing to do with biking. I’m just so thankful that you are willing to take risks, and go off the beaten path. It’s not always easy (it’s rarely easy), but so worth it.
You. are. awesome. and so incredibly inspiring.

I wanted to let you know I thoroughly enjoy the monday posts you have on your website. This one in particular strikes a nerve in me and makes me realize that I need to stop and take a closer look at what is happening in my life.
Years seem to be slipping by and I never seem to get closer to many of the things I want to do with my life. Maybe it is because of where I am located. Thank you for shocking my system and making me take notice of my life.

Thanks Julia. I really appreciate getting messages like this….it makes me know that these Monday Posts are being well received. Keep on going after what you want and taking the time to clear your mind and soul every so often as well.

My question is other than juice, can you suggest modifications in lieu of table sugar for energy and hydration.

Answer:

Both raw/organic honey or agave can work great in the homebrew (substitute in the same quantities for the sugar, or to taste), but you do have to shake well in order to make sure they don’t settle out. Have you tried either of these? Also, make sure to use at least the minimum amount of salt recommended in the homebrew as the temps rise, you need the sodium replacement if you’re sweating.